India Eyes WTC 2027 Final Hosting Rights

The BCCI has informed the ICC regarding its desire to host the 2027 World Test Championship final. A formal proposal will be submitted at a later date.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is set to submit a formal proposal for the hosting rights of the WTC finals in 2027. In doing so, India would become the first country other than England to host WTC finals.

England hosted the first two finals in 2021 and 2023 at Hampshire and at the Oval, respectively. The third final will be played between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s in June this year.

India Wishes to Host WTC Final 2027

According to PTI, India expressed the desire to host the event during the ICC’s meeting of the chief executives committee in Zimbabwe earlier this year. The formal bid will be launched this summer.

The Guardian noted some standing concerns with an Indian bid. The major concern is the ability to bring a crowd for a neutral context if India is unable to qualify for a third final in four years. Ticket sales are a major draw for the ICC in this matter. The upcoming final at Lord’s, beginning on June 11, has already sold out tickets for the first four days of the match.

Concerns Around India’s WTC Bid

Reportedly, the tense relationship between India and Pakistan is a key issue in India’s bid for the WTC finals. The cricket boards of both countries were already at odds when India refused to play in the ICC Champions Trophy on Pakistan soil. Now, with the recent terror attack in Pahalgama and the military response, the tensions have risen.

Pakistan qualifying for the final of the WTC could complicate India’s bid. A contingency is likely to be present in the proposal, such as an alternative venue.

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